Metastatic carcinoma in human remains from TT110, Luxor, Egypt (ancient Thebes)

A rare case of metastatic carcinoma, potentially the oldest documented from ancient Egypt, was identified in human remains from TT110, Luxor. The findings suggest a young adult female, aged 25-40, likely suffered from late-stage breast cancer metastasis, given her age and sex. The diagnosis was confirmed through macroscopic and radiographic analysis of three bone fragments exhibiting osteolytic lesions, consistent with metastatic carcinoma or multiple myeloma. This discovery provides valuable insight into ancient Egyptian health and disease, contributing to our understanding of oncological history in the region.

Wahba, A., Herrerín, J., & Sánchez, M. (2021). Metastatic carcinoma in human remains from TT110, Luxor, Egypt (ancient Thebes). Homo, 72(4), 307–316. https://doi.org/10.1127/homo/2021/1477